Strictly Come Dancing accused of cultural appropriation over Halloween Week 'Day of the Dead' dance

Viewers were quick to point out that Halloween is not the same as the Day of the Dead

Strictly Come Dancing put on a suitably spooky evening for its annual Halloween Week, but not everyone was impressed by all of the dances.

The competition’s opening number saw the remaining celebrities join the professional dancers in Mexican-themed outfits, for a performance to Harry Belafonte’s “Jump in the Line”, which featured sombreros, skulls and Day of the Dead iconography.

While it was noted at the beginning of the performance by a voiceover that this was a tribute to the Day of the Dead, many fans on social media called out the theme and branded it “cultural appropriation”, observing that the Day of the Dead is not the same as Halloween. Others were unhappy with the use of a Calypso song against traditional Mexican traditions.

In Mexico, the Day of the Dead – or Día de Muertos – is celebrated on 2 November. The traditional holiday marks the passing of friends and family, and supports them on their spiritual journey.

Strictly viewers will find out which couple will be the latest to leave the ballroom later this evening, following a public vote and dance-off between the couples with the lowest score – the four judges will decide which one to save and which one to send home.

Watch the week six dance-off on 27 October, BBC One at 7.50pm